for clubs

Club Structures

The way in which the club is legally set up and the impact this may have on the financial and legal position of the club is often overlooked. Which structure suits your club will be dependent on your exact circumstances and each should be considered on an individual basis.

Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC)

The Community Amateur Sports Club Scheme (CASC) enables amateur sports clubs to register with the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and benefit from a range of tax reliefs, including business rate relief and Gift Aid. There are now more than 6,000 registered CASC’s and these clubs have benefitted from almost £100 million in savings.

Charities

A club can be charitable if its constitution is such that it promotes amateur sports (and/or other healthy amateur recreations) e.g. by providing facilities, or promotes education or community participation by reference to sport. In all cases the club must exist for the public benefit.

Model Constitution

A constitution sets out the purpose and rules of your club. It is the basic document that helps to ensure proper running of your affairs. Typically, the constitution will set out:

The objectives for your club (e.g. what you want to do or provide for your members)The different forms of membership (e.g. adult, junior, social) and subscription ratesThe rules by which your club will operateHow the affairs of the club are to be managed (e.g. by officers and a committee)How the members control the club, usually through an annual general meeting